Kroput ransomware removal instructions

What is Kroput?

Discovered by Michael Gillespie, Kroput is a ransomware-type virus that belongs to Djvu malware family. Kroput is designed to stealthily infiltrate computers and encrypt most of stored files. During this procedure, Kroput adds ".kroput" extension to the name of each encrypted file (e.g., "sample.jpg" is renamed to "sample.jpg.kroput" and so forth). Once data is encrypted, Kroput generates a text file ("_readme.txt") and drops a copy in every existing folder. Other variants of this ransomware use ".kroput1" and ".kropun" extensions for encrypted files.

As a rule, created text file contains a message stating that data is encrypted and can only be recovered by using a unique decryption key. Unluckily, this is true. Kroput is designed to encrypt data by using a cryptography which generates a decryption key. Each victim gets a unique key and all of them are stored in a remote server controlled by cyber criminals. For this reason, users are forced to pay a ransom. Price for the decryption key is $980. However, victims who will contact these persons within 72 hours will supposedly receive a 50% discount and the price will drop to $490. Nevertheless, you should never agree to submit any payments. That's because cyber criminals are very likely to ignore victims, once payments are submitted. In other words, victims submit payments and get nothing in return. Cyber criminals can never be trusted and, thus, all encouragements to submit payments and contact these persons should be ignored. It is unfortunate, but there are no tools capable of cracking Kroput's encryption and restoring data for free. The only possible solution is to restore everything from a backup.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

Kroput is virtually identical to Promock, Yatron, ARTEMY, and dozens of other ransomware-type viruses. Notice that even though the developers are different, all of these infections behave almost exactly the same - they encrypt data and make ransom demands. In most cases size of ransom and type of encryption algorithm used are the only major differences. The problem is that most of these infections employ algorithms like RSA, AES, and other similar algorithms that generate unique decryption keys. For this reason it is virtually impossible to restore data without developers interference. The only possible solutions are ransomware not being fully developed and/or having certain bugs/flaws (e.g., the key is hard-coded, stored locally, or something like that). Ransomware is one of the main reasons why you should maintain regular data backups. Nevertheless, be sure to store them in a remote server (e.g., Cloud) or either unplugged storage device (Flash drive, external hard drive, or similar). Locally stored backups will be encrypted alongside with regular data.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

The way developers proliferate Kroput is currently unknown. However, in most cases ransomware-type viruses are distributed using the following tools/methods: email spam campaigns, third party software download sources, fake software update tools, cracks, and trojans. Spam emails are used to spread malicious attachments that, once opened, download and install malware. Unofficial software download sources spread malicious executables by presenting them as legitimate software. This tricks users into downloading and installing malware manually. Fake updaters infect computers in two ways: by exploiting outdated software's bugs/flaws or simply downloading and installing malware rather than actual updates. Cracking tools are meant to activate paid software for free. yet cyber criminals also use them to spread malware, which is why users often end up infecting their computers rather than gaining access to paid features. Last but not least are trojans. These are malicious applications which stealthily infiltrate computers and install additional malware.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

Everyone should that the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and reckless behavior. The key to it's safety is caution and, thus, paying close attention when browsing the Internet, as well as downloading/installing/updating software is a must. Always think twice before open email attachments. If the receive file/link is irrelevant and/or the sender looks suspicious/unrecognizable, then delete such email immediately and certainly do not open any of the attachments. Moreover, download apps only from official sources, via direct download links. Third party download/installation tools should never be used, because most of them include rogue applications. Keeping installed applications/operating system up-to-date is also a must. However, to achieve this use only implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer. You should never use any software cracking tools because not only software piracy is considered a cyber crime, but also the risk of computer infections is extremely high. We highly recommend to always have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running - such tools will help you to detect and remove viruses before they harm the system. If your computer is already infected with Kroput, we recommend running a scan with
Spyhunter for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Text presented in Kroput ransomware's text file ("_readme.txt"):

ATTENTION!Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted withstrongest encryption and unique key.The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.What guarantees you have?You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:hxxps://we.tl/t-ll0rIToOhfPrice of private key and decrypt software is $980.Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.Check your e-mail "Spam" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:blower@india.comReserve e-mail address to contact us:blower@firemail.ccYour personal ID:-

Screenshot of files encrypted by Kroput (".kroput" extension):

As with most of ransomware from Djvu family, Kroput also displays a fake Windows update pop-up during the encryption:

IMPORTANT NOTE! - Ransomware-type infections from Djvu malware family are designed to add a number of entries to the Windows hosts file. The entries contain URLs of various websites, most of which are related to malware removal. This is carried out with the intention of making users unable to access malware security websites and seek help. Our website (PCrisk.com) is also on the list. Removing these entries, however, is simple - you can find detailed instructions in this article (note that, although the steps are shown in the Windows 10 environment, the process is virtually identical on all versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system).

Screenshot of websites added to Windows hosts file:

Kroput ransomware removal:

Instant automatic removal of Kroput virus:Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced computer skills. Spyhunter is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Kroput virus. Download it by clicking the button below:▼ DOWNLOAD SpyhunterBy downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options". In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.

Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Step 2

Log in to the account infected with the Kroput virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.

Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":

1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.

To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of Kroput are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.

To restore a file, right-click over it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.

To regain control of the files encrypted by Kroput, you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.

To protect your computer from file encryption ransomware such as this, use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called HitmanPro.Alert and EasySync CryptoMonitor, which artificially implant group policy objects into the registry to block rogue programs such as Kroput ransomware.

Windows 10 users should install this update to protect their data from ransomware attacks. Here�s more information on how to get this update and add additional protection layer from ransomware infections.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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